3 plead guilty to smuggling migrants by plane

SAN DIEGO - Three people have pleaded guilty in San Diego to smuggling immigrants through a hole in the border fence with Mexico and flying them by private plane to the Los Angeles area.

The U.S. attorney's office said Monday that the flights from California's Imperial County Airport were aimed at avoiding Border Patrol highway checkpoints.

On Friday, 54-year-old pilot Philip Kubeck and 48-year-old Roselia Kubeck, both of Calexico, and 42-year-old Earl Allen of Woodland pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. They each face up to five years in prison when they are sentenced April 21.

The plea agreements says seven immigrants were flown in July 2011, including one who paid $10,000.

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